The Daily Mirror has reported that Smalling is currently a target for the Gunners as Arsene Wenger looks to improve his defence next season.

However, Parlour doesn’t feel Smalling is the right man for Arsenal if Wenger is going to push on and try to sign a defender.

“I think he needs to improve two positions; centre back and he needs a holding midfielder,” said Parlour.

“I question whether he has the experience of performing in the really big games – I just don’t think he (Smalling) has the right level of experience.”

Smalling has been used frequently when available by Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal this season, but there is an argument to suggest that Arsenal can attract a higher profile and more complete central defender.

Wenger did well to add Gabriel Paulista to his squad over the summer and the Mirror’s report suggests he wants to further refine his central defensive options.

Lewis Doe

Lewis Doe is a freelance writer and editor who seeks to bring you the biggest, smallest and most interesting stories from the football world. Lewis has previously written for some of the biggest football news and opinion sites in the world including FootballFanCast and Goal.com International. Lewis is also experienced writing in the betting industry and aims to deliver his stories with up to date factual and statistical information. He hopes to sum up stories for the site and provide an angle on the issue moving forward.Lewis is HITC Sport's La Liga correspondent.